The Declaration of the Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City as a Minor Basilica

One of the highlights of my travels this year was my visit to Angeles City on June 10, 2026, to witness the solemn declaration of the Holy Rosary Parish Church as a Minor Basilica. Since applications for churches seeking this distinction pass through the CBCP Secretariat, I had the privilege of following the process from the very beginning and, finally, being present for this historic celebration.

Many people are unaware of the lengthy process involved before a church is granted the title of Minor Basilica. The parish first submits an extensive application containing the church's history, liturgical life, pastoral activities, architectural significance, and many other supporting documents. An ocular inspection is then conducted by the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy. Once the Commission issues a nihil obstat, the application is presented to the CBCP Permanent Council. If approved, the CBCP President endorses the petition, and the entire documentation is sent to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome for its final decision. Only after receiving the approval from the Holy See is a date fixed for the official declaration.

This particular celebration was made even more meaningful because the first Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria, is a contemporary of mine from our seminary days at the University of Santo Tomas. It was heartwarming to see him receive yet another honor during the same celebration. Along with the declaration of the church as a Minor Basilica, he was installed as a Papal Chaplain and bestowed the honorary title of Monsignor.

The celebration drew a large gathering of bishops from different parts of the country. Among those present were Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who had once served as parish priest of the parish, Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. The church was overflowing with the faithful, with many more participating from outside, a fitting testament to the deep devotion of the people of Angeles.

Since it had been several years since my last visit, I took the opportunity to admire the church once again. I immediately noticed the improvements that had been made. The retablo behind the main altar had been beautifully enhanced, making the sanctuary even more striking. What especially caught my attention, however, were the Stations of the Cross. Unlike the usual sculpted stations found in many churches, these were exquisite oil paintings that added a unique artistic and devotional character to the basilica.

As I left the church that afternoon, I reflected on how fitting it was that this historic parish had received the title of Minor Basilica. Beyond its beautiful architecture and rich history, it continues to be a vibrant center of faith for generations of Catholics. I felt blessed to have witnessed this important milestone—not only as Secretary General of the CBCP who had seen the petition through its various stages, but also as a pilgrim grateful to be part of another memorable chapter in the life of the Church in the Philippines.

Minor Basilica and Parish of  Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Pisamban Maragul), Angeles City.

The Rector and Parish priest, Msgr. Manuel Sta. Maria was also invested as a Papal Chaplain during the celebration

Cardinal Ambo David was the homilist

A group picture of the bishops who attended the official declaration of the Holy Rosary Minor Basilica and Parish, Angeles City.

The Stations of the Cross in oil painting. 

For old pictures of the Most Holy Rosary Parish click here.

The Installation of Bishop Mejia of Tabuk, Kalinga and the visit to Rizal, Kalinga.

              Last June 1–3, 2026, I had the opportunity to visit the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk once again on the occasion of the episcopal ordination and installation of its new bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Mejia, JCL.

On June 1, the entourage of bishops, together with the Apostolic Nuncio, departed from the Archbishop’s Residence in Tuguegarao at 2:00 p.m. for the hour-long journey to Tabuk. Upon arrival, we proceeded directly to St. William’s Cathedral, where the bishop-elect made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio.

Immediately afterward, we were brought to the Provincial Sports Center for the civic reception in honor of the Apostolic Nuncio. During the program, he was adopted as an honorary son of Kalinga and given the native name Tunggayok by Governor James Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Odiem. Following the reception, where an early dinner was served, we proceeded to the Pastoral Center for another dinner hosted in honor of the bishop-elect. We left early to check in at our hotel. We were billeted at Golden Fields Hotel, one of three hotels reserved for the visiting bishops.

The episcopal ordination took place at 9:00 a.m. on June 2 at St. William’s Cathedral. The solemn celebration lasted about three and a half hours. Lunch was served afterward at the  Pastoral Center, located within the compound of the bishop’s residence. In the evening, dinner was hosted by the former bishop of Tabuk, Bishop Prudencio Andaya, at an events venue owned by his family for the bishops and priests who remained after the ceremonies.

On our way to Tuguegarao Airport the following day, I asked the transportation coordinator if we could make a brief stop at the parish church of Rizal, which lay along our route. Rizal was the last municipality in Kalinga that I had not yet visited. Fortunately, the parish priest of Rizal happened to be in charge of transportation arrangements, and he graciously agreed to the short detour, allowing me to visit the parish church.

The trip was truly memorable, made even more meaningful by finally visiting the last town in Kalinga that I had missed during my Holy Week journey through the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao in 2022.

 

The St. William's Cathedral of Tabuk.

The day before the episcopal ordination, Bishop elect Sean Mejia made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity in front of the Apostolic Nuncio.

At the civic reception, the Apostolic Nuncio was officially adopted as an honorary Kalingan with a native name by the officials of the province of Kalinga

The CBCP staff with the official master of ceremonies, Fr. Jake Cawas, who is the personal secretary of the new bishop.

With the bishop elect, Sean Mejia just before the ordination ceremonies.

With the CBCP President, Most Rev. Gilbert Garcera of Lipa and Msgr. Caluya, administrator of Masbate.

The Apostolic Nuncio as the ordination and installing prelate.

During the Litany of the Saints.

The laying on of hands by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Bp. Andaya, the former bishop of Tabuk as one the consecrators.

Abp. Ricardo Baccay, the Archbishop of Tuguegarao, the other consecrator.

Bp. Tobias, one of the oldest bishop present.

The pouring of the holy oils on the head of the new bishop.

The giving of the Book of the Gospels.

The giving of the pastoral staff.

The kiss of peace right after the sitting of the new bishop on his cathedra.

The new bishop on his Cathedra.

The new bishop giving his first episcopal blessing to the congregation.

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission
Babalag, Rizal, Kalinga

What was striking in the church was the bas relief of the Stations of the Cross which surrounded the church just above the doors.